Quick Overview
- 1#1: Xactimate - Industry-standard software for precise line-item estimating, sketching, and reporting in property restoration and insurance claims.
- 2#2: Symbility Property - Cloud-based estimating platform designed for property claims with mobile sketching and insurer integrations.
- 3#3: NextGear Desk - Restoration-focused estimating tool with specialized content libraries, drying calculations, and equipment tracking.
- 4#4: Premier Construction Software - Comprehensive estimating and project management software tailored for restoration contractors.
- 5#5: Encircle - Mobile documentation and estimating app that streamlines restoration workflows from site capture to invoicing.
- 6#6: Albiware - All-in-one restoration CRM with built-in estimating, scheduling, and QuickBooks integration.
- 7#7: PSA PowerLine - End-to-end restoration management system featuring Xactimate integration and detailed cost estimating.
- 8#8: SuccessWare21 - Integrated business software for restoration firms with customizable estimating and dispatch features.
- 9#9: MochaSoft Restoration Estimator - Affordable, user-friendly estimating software for water, fire, and mold restoration projects.
- 10#10: Touchplan - Visual planning and estimating tool optimized for restoration project timelines and resource allocation.
Tools were selected based on key metrics including feature depth (such as line-item precision, mobile sketching, and insurer integrations), user experience (intuitive design and onboarding), and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of restoration contractors.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features, pricing, and usability of popular restoration estimating software, including Xactimate, Symbility Property, NextGear Desk, Premier Construction Software, Encircle, and more. Readers will learn to evaluate tools based on their specific needs, such as claims processing efficiency or integration compatibility, to find the best fit for their workflow.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xactimate Industry-standard software for precise line-item estimating, sketching, and reporting in property restoration and insurance claims. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | Symbility Property Cloud-based estimating platform designed for property claims with mobile sketching and insurer integrations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | NextGear Desk Restoration-focused estimating tool with specialized content libraries, drying calculations, and equipment tracking. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Premier Construction Software Comprehensive estimating and project management software tailored for restoration contractors. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Encircle Mobile documentation and estimating app that streamlines restoration workflows from site capture to invoicing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Albiware All-in-one restoration CRM with built-in estimating, scheduling, and QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | PSA PowerLine End-to-end restoration management system featuring Xactimate integration and detailed cost estimating. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 8 | SuccessWare21 Integrated business software for restoration firms with customizable estimating and dispatch features. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | MochaSoft Restoration Estimator Affordable, user-friendly estimating software for water, fire, and mold restoration projects. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Touchplan Visual planning and estimating tool optimized for restoration project timelines and resource allocation. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.0/10 |
Industry-standard software for precise line-item estimating, sketching, and reporting in property restoration and insurance claims.
Cloud-based estimating platform designed for property claims with mobile sketching and insurer integrations.
Restoration-focused estimating tool with specialized content libraries, drying calculations, and equipment tracking.
Comprehensive estimating and project management software tailored for restoration contractors.
Mobile documentation and estimating app that streamlines restoration workflows from site capture to invoicing.
All-in-one restoration CRM with built-in estimating, scheduling, and QuickBooks integration.
End-to-end restoration management system featuring Xactimate integration and detailed cost estimating.
Integrated business software for restoration firms with customizable estimating and dispatch features.
Affordable, user-friendly estimating software for water, fire, and mold restoration projects.
Visual planning and estimating tool optimized for restoration project timelines and resource allocation.
Xactimate
enterpriseIndustry-standard software for precise line-item estimating, sketching, and reporting in property restoration and insurance claims.
Proprietary, regionally calibrated price lists derived from millions of real repair transactions, ensuring unmatched accuracy and compliance.
Xactimate, developed by Xactware (a Verisk company), is the industry-standard software for restoration estimating, enabling professionals to create precise, detailed cost estimates for property damage from water, fire, storm, and other catastrophes. It features an extensive database of over 840 line-item categories, regionally adjusted pricing updated monthly from real-world data, and integrated sketching tools for accurate diagramming. Widely adopted by contractors, adjusters, and insurers, it produces compliant reports that streamline claims processing and reduce disputes.
Pros
- Industry-standard acceptance by insurers, minimizing estimate rejections
- Comprehensive, data-driven price lists with monthly updates for accuracy
- Advanced sketching and line-item tools for detailed, visual estimates
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training time
- High subscription costs that may strain smaller operations
- Occasional performance issues in the web-based version
Best For
Restoration contractors and insurance adjusters managing high-volume claims who prioritize insurer-accepted, defensible estimates.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $289/month for Xactimate Online Essentials, up to $569/month for Elite with mobile and advanced features; annual discounts available.
Symbility Property
enterpriseCloud-based estimating platform designed for property claims with mobile sketching and insurer integrations.
Cloud-based 3D sketching engine for rapid, precise room diagramming and area calculations
Symbility Property by CoreLogic is a cloud-based estimating platform tailored for property restoration and insurance claims management. It enables users to generate precise line-item estimates, create detailed floor plans with integrated sketching tools, and produce professional reports for water, fire, and storm damage restoration projects. The software supports mobile access and real-time collaboration, streamlining workflows from field inspections to final invoicing.
Pros
- Intuitive interface faster than competitors like Xactimate
- Robust sketching and takeoff tools for accurate measurements
- Strong integrations with major insurance carriers
Cons
- High subscription costs for small operations
- Limited advanced customization options
- Occasional mobile sync delays in poor connectivity
Best For
Restoration contractors and independent adjusters needing quick, user-friendly estimates with insurer compatibility.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$150/user/month; volume/enterprise discounts available via CoreLogic.
NextGear Desk
specializedRestoration-focused estimating tool with specialized content libraries, drying calculations, and equipment tracking.
Sketch Live 3D diagramming for interactive, shareable property sketches that update estimates in real-time
NextGear Desk is a cloud-based platform tailored for restoration contractors, offering comprehensive estimating, diagramming, and project management tools for water, fire, smoke, and mold remediation jobs. It features seamless integration with Xactimate for line-item estimating and includes Sketch Live for interactive 3D property diagramming. The software also supports job tracking, invoicing, digital approvals, and mobile access to streamline field-to-office workflows.
Pros
- Seamless Xactimate integration for accurate line-item estimates
- Advanced Sketch Live 3D diagramming with real-time collaboration
- Robust job management including scheduling and customer portals
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for diagramming tools
- Higher pricing compared to basic estimators
- Limited third-party integrations beyond Xactimate
Best For
Mid-sized restoration firms heavily reliant on Xactimate that need advanced diagramming and end-to-end project management.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $149/user/month (billed annually); includes tiered plans up to enterprise levels with custom quoting.
Premier Construction Software
enterpriseComprehensive estimating and project management software tailored for restoration contractors.
Comprehensive restoration assembly database with thousands of pre-priced items tailored specifically for insurance restoration work
Premier Construction Software is a robust cloud-based platform tailored for construction and restoration estimating, offering digital takeoff tools, pre-built assemblies for water, fire, and mold remediation, and seamless job costing integration. It enables contractors to create detailed, accurate bids quickly while tracking project costs from estimate to completion. Ideal for restoration firms needing more than basic line-item tools, it supports both residential and commercial projects with customizable templates and reporting.
Pros
- Extensive library of restoration-specific assemblies and line items
- Integrated digital takeoff and plan viewing
- Strong job costing and QuickBooks integration
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Interface appears somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited native insurance carrier integrations like Xactimate
Best For
Mid-sized restoration contractors handling diverse water/fire/mold projects who need integrated estimating and job management.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $295 per month per user, with custom enterprise pricing available.
Encircle
specializedMobile documentation and estimating app that streamlines restoration workflows from site capture to invoicing.
Direct on-site creation of Xactimate sketches from photos and laser measurements
Encircle is a mobile-first field documentation platform tailored for restoration professionals, enabling on-site capture of photos, videos, notes, and measurements to generate detailed reports and Xactimate-compatible sketches. It facilitates real-time collaboration between field teams, office staff, and insurers, streamlining the documentation process that supports accurate restoration estimating. While strong in documentation, it integrates directly with Xactimate for full estimating workflows rather than serving as a standalone estimator.
Pros
- Superior mobile documentation with photo annotations and moisture mapping
- Seamless Xactimate integration for sketch generation and estimating
- Real-time collaboration and automated report generation
Cons
- Limited standalone estimating capabilities without Xactimate
- Subscription pricing can add up for small teams
- Occasional mobile app performance issues in low-connectivity areas
Best For
Restoration contractors prioritizing efficient field documentation to support Xactimate-based estimating.
Pricing
Starts at $125/user/month for Pro plan; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Albiware
specializedAll-in-one restoration CRM with built-in estimating, scheduling, and QuickBooks integration.
Integrated restoration pricing database with automatic updates from regional data sources
Albiware is a cloud-based restoration management software tailored for water, fire, mold, and storm damage contractors, offering robust estimating tools with industry-specific pricing databases and assemblies. It streamlines the entire workflow from digital site surveys and line-item takeoffs to project scheduling, invoicing, and customer portals. The platform integrates with QuickBooks and provides mobile access for field technicians to capture photos, notes, and real-time updates.
Pros
- Comprehensive restoration-specific estimating with pre-built assemblies and pricing data
- Strong mobile app for on-site documentation and real-time collaboration
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for efficient accounting
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users compared to simpler tools
- Pricing can be high for small teams
- Limited advanced customization options for complex workflows
Best For
Mid-sized restoration firms needing an all-in-one platform for estimating and project management.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $249/user/month for basic plans, scaling to enterprise tiers with custom quotes.
PSA PowerLine
enterpriseEnd-to-end restoration management system featuring Xactimate integration and detailed cost estimating.
Lightning-fast Xactimate line-item import for instant estimate population
PSA PowerLine is a cloud-based estimating software tailored for restoration contractors, enabling rapid creation of detailed estimates for water, fire, smoke, and mold damage projects. It features seamless integration with Xactimate for line-item syncing and QuickBooks for invoicing, along with mobile access for on-site data capture. The tool emphasizes speed and simplicity with pre-built templates and automated calculations to reduce manual entry.
Pros
- Fast estimate generation with restoration-specific templates
- Strong Xactimate and QuickBooks integrations
- Mobile app supports fieldwork efficiency
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Customization options feel basic compared to competitors
- Pricing lacks transparency without a demo
Best For
Small to mid-sized restoration firms prioritizing quick, accurate estimates over comprehensive project management.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $99/user/month, with custom enterprise pricing available upon request.
SuccessWare21
enterpriseIntegrated business software for restoration firms with customizable estimating and dispatch features.
Native Xactimate integration allowing direct import/export of estimates for rapid, accurate restoration pricing.
SuccessWare21 is an all-in-one business management platform tailored for restoration contractors, featuring robust estimating tools with direct Xactimate integration for accurate line-item pricing on water, fire, and mold jobs. It supports the full workflow from initial site assessment and estimate creation to scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and QuickBooks integration. The cloud-based system includes mobile apps for field technicians to capture photos, update job status, and generate on-site estimates.
Pros
- Seamless Xactimate integration for insurance-compliant estimates
- Comprehensive job management beyond estimating (scheduling, invoicing)
- Mobile app enables real-time field updates and photo documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for smaller operations
- Limited advanced reporting customization compared to specialized tools
Best For
Mid-sized restoration firms seeking an integrated platform for estimating and full job lifecycle management.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$150/user/month; custom quotes based on modules, users, and company size.
MochaSoft Restoration Estimator
specializedAffordable, user-friendly estimating software for water, fire, and mold restoration projects.
Extensive library of pre-built restoration assemblies that automatically calculate labor, equipment, and materials for common jobs
MochaSoft Restoration Estimator is a Windows desktop application tailored for restoration contractors, enabling the creation of detailed estimates for water damage, fire, smoke, mold, and other remediation projects. It includes a robust database of line items, materials, labor rates, and pre-built assemblies to streamline the estimating process. Users can customize estimates, generate professional reports, and integrate with QuickBooks for seamless invoicing and accounting.
Pros
- Comprehensive restoration-specific assemblies and templates for fast estimate building
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for invoicing
- One-time purchase model with no recurring fees
Cons
- Limited to Windows desktop with no mobile or cloud access
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Lacks advanced features like AI-driven pricing or real-time collaboration
Best For
Small to mid-sized restoration firms seeking an affordable, straightforward desktop tool for daily estimating without cloud dependencies.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license starting at $1,295, with optional add-on modules and annual database updates around $300.
Touchplan
specializedVisual planning and estimating tool optimized for restoration project timelines and resource allocation.
Drag-and-drop scheduling board that imports Xactimate line items for seamless estimate-to-production transition
Touchplan is a mobile-first production management platform tailored for restoration contractors, offering tools for scheduling, job tracking, and scope management with integration support for estimating software like Xactimate. It enables real-time collaboration, photo documentation, and progress tracking from the field, bridging the gap between estimates and execution. While not a dedicated estimating tool, it provides basic line-item scoping and cost tracking to support restoration workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for field teams
- Strong Xactimate integration for estimate import
- Real-time scheduling and communication tools
Cons
- Limited native estimating and takeoff capabilities
- Focuses more on production than detailed pre-job estimating
- Higher cost for users needing only estimating features
Best For
Restoration contractors seeking integrated production management with basic estimating support via integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $125 per user per month for core plans, with custom pricing for enterprises and add-ons.
Conclusion
Reviewing the 10 tools highlights that while each offers value, Xactimate reigns as the top choice, celebrated for its industry-standard precision in line-item estimating, sketching, and reporting. Symbility Property stands as a strong alternative, excelling with cloud-based flexibility, mobile sketching, and insurer integrations, while NextGear Desk distinguishes itself with specialized content, drying calculations, and equipment tracking—each tailored to specific restoration needs.
Ready to enhance your estimating workflow? Start with Xactimate, the trusted leader, to streamline claims, boost accuracy, and take your restoration projects to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
